In Galveston, Texas, Michael Enriquez and many other local residents are growing increasingly discouraged by the presence of many neglected and vacant properties. The rat problem alone in his neighborhood is getting out of hand. “I’ve killed six or seven in the past week,” Enriquez, age 54, said.
The area was badly devastated by Hurricane Ike, causing storm surges to badly damage local homes. One of the properties hit hardest was the 77-unit Bayou Shores apartment complex. “Our neighborhood got pretty battered; our house is no jewel, but this is disgusting,” Enriquez said.
In some cases, it costs the city as much as $250 to clean, mow and secure a privately owned yard or lot that has been abandoned. When the owner can be tracked down, they are made to pay for the work. For example, the Bayou Shores complex is owned by Shiraz US Galveston Inc. A court ruling ultimately forced the owners to clean up the 60-year-old complex. The company bought it in 2007, and failed to purchase storm/flood insurance. Now, it will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to clean up and remove asbestos from the site.
Finding the right contractor to remove asbestos has slowed progress, according to officials. Asbestos removal must be undertaken by a licensed professional. This is because asbestos removal must be done in accordance with federal regulations. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in some cases. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can lie dormant for decades before symptoms emerge.
In 30 to 35 days, the complex will finally be demolished, according to local sources. “It’s very unfortunate and very frustrating to the community and neighborhoods,” one local said. “People should do this without the city having to remind them.”